1. “The Stroller” – A- 2. “Everyone’s Hip” – A-
3. “On the Beat” – A-
4. “Thank Us Later” – A- 5. “Summer Mess” – B+ 6. “She’s My Baby” – A- 7. “Snake Shakes” – B+ 8. “Demon” – B+
9. “Baby I” – B+ 10. “How’s the Grave” – B+ 11. “That’s How We Burn” – A-
Comments: Bringing to mind the likes of The B-52s and other pop, yet weird mainstream acts of yesteryear, Jaill’s all right. “The Stroller” is a post-punk revival jam with strong streaks of catchiness. Despite it being a fairly unoriginal jam, it still’s great on the ears. “Everyone’s Hip” reeks of ‘alternative’ genius. No complaints on the powerpop/post-punk flavored “On the Beat,” either. The Shins comparisons are justifiable on the vocal-centric “Thank Us Later,” surely one of the better songs on here. Some songs that I’d normally think are great just don’t have the memorable kind of chops I wish they had. What I thought may have been a near-the-top album for me turns out to be lost in the midst of above-average obscurity.
This is nearly an ideal interview to watch. I’ve always wanted to see a guy like Nader who has been in favor of government intervention in some instances go head-to-head with a strict limited government advocate like Napolitano. In this video series, Nader asks Napolitano questions pertaining to Lies The Government Told You, which I read and reviewed about a month ago. I wish Nader injected his opinion more in the discussion. They probably agree on at least 75% of the issues brought up.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Black Lips were unable to make it Boston today for their scheduled cruise. BUT they will maybe make up for it in the future!
I hope they make it to NYC on Monday because I plan on going on that cruise to see my favorite band! Also, this Boston one was 21+ so if they do come back at a later date maybe it’ll be 18+ or something!
Band: Mind Spiders Release: 2010 Label: Dirtnap Records
1. “Worlds Destroyed” – A 2. “Time Sucker” – A 3. “Ripped” – A 4. “Dirty Secrets” – A
Comment: The second I played this, I realized these guys have something special going on. It’s hard to describe, but they have “it,” a word that I’ve used to describe only a handful of garage/punk releases this year. I’d equate it with the first time I listened to Hippies [“Someday Soon”] or King of the Beach [“King of the Beach”]. Don’t get me wrong, having “it” can be a mere one song thing. This record is more than that. “Worlds Destroyed” is an in-your-face pop attack whereas “Time Sucker” is a more leveled adventure, really bringing to mind a mellowed version of the great No Age tune “Brain Burner.” Compare: “Go away. Leave me here. I’m better without you” to “I couldn’t make him made he’s useless and alone.” Okay, I’m maybe stretching it, but check it out for yourself. Flipping to the other side…”Ripped” has that beginning drum pattern that has “Friendly Ghost” written all over it, but I’m sure other songs have started out the same way in the history of music. This one might be this record’s most traditionally “power-pop” number. “Dirty Secrets” — if I’m still doing the comparison-to-bigger-acts kind of deal — earns Thee Oh Sees recognition. Nice drumming.
Since signing to Vice Records in 2006, the Black Lips have found a little more of everything: exposure, music videos, and world travel. Also included: a sponsorship from Vestal Watch. Ian seems to be the main guy in the band showing off Vestal on his midget bike.
Kids Like You & Me (KLYAM) 